Sunday, September 30, 2007

Art Institute Poems--Alexa A.

Once Buddha’s mountain soldier,A guardian against evil spirits, Speaking the first word of the universe.Now the unblinking eyes stare into Undulating museum lightsWith unwavering ferocityWhile an eight year old boy Snaps and flicks a wall switch Bringing the guardian king to lifeUnder the blare. He speaks wordsOf doom and damnationInto the gaping, gummy mouthOf the once king, threatening to Kill me with one toothless,Rubber band bite.

The boy skips past Joan of Arc And busts of Italian women,To shove his fingersUp the nose of the king With his storm cloud eyebrows And bulgy, colorless eyes—tauntingAll the monsters in his closetThat have fought back until now.Mom reminds him, “just don’t put anythingIn your mouth.” But he tastes with Eight year old hands and bony fingersTickling the tongue of the touchGallery king and allowing the guardianTo taste the salty fingers lingering withHappy meal grease, frantic to swallowThe temperature and texture